The Puyallup Fair, also known as the Washington State Fair, is an annual event held in Puyallup, Washington. It is a highly anticipated fair that attracts people from all over the state and beyond. The fair takes place in September and runs for about two weeks. One of the main attractions of the Puyallup Fair is its holiday magic. The fairgrounds are transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a lively holiday atmosphere. This holiday magic can be seen and felt throughout the fair, from the moment you step foot on the fairgrounds.
Holiday Magic at The Fair: Fantastic Festive Fun for Families
You’ve got to hand it to the Washington State Fair. Back during the first pandemic holiday season, the Fair’s creative minds came up with a drive-through winter light show to entertain us — when there was basically nothing else to do. Then they reinvented the event last year, allowing folks to wander around and enjoy wintery Fair fun on foot.
Now back for its third year, Holiday Magic at the Fair remains a fun and sweet in-real-life dose of holiday cheer. On a scale of one to four, we give it four scones!
Holiday Magic is not around for long, though, with just 16 select dates between Dec. 1 and 23. (That means buy your tix asap.)
Credit: JiaYing Grygiel
Head for the rides
Once inside the gate, we beelined it to the free rides, which are unlimited. We hopped on both the merry-go-round and Santa’s Express Train, which takes you through a tunnel and around a loop to see lights.
Santa’s Express Train at Holiday Magic at the Fair. Image courtesy of the Washington State Fair
My 6-year-old’s favorite was Santa’s Village. For Holiday Magic, the cluster of buildings that is normally the Farm at Sillyville was decked out to look like Santa’s workshop, a candy factory, a gift wrap station and Mrs. Claus’ kitchen. Adorable. Each kid got a mini stocking to fill with goodies at each stop. The sweet ladies at the last stop, Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, offered us milk and cookies by a cozy fireplace.
New and returning fun in 2022
New this year, families will enjoy free games and activities in Arena T. Look for corn hole, giant Jenga and mini golf.
Also new this year, commune with your “gnomies” walking among a festive display of gnomes. The gnomes are set up at the Tractor Tracks.
Credit: JiaYing Grygiel
Returning highlights include the tunnel of lights set up in the draft horse barn, and the Joy Experience, a display that highlights different holiday traditions from various cultures and countries around the world.
The sweet manger display includes live animals.
“Ice” skating
This year the ice-skating add-on should be called “ice”-skating, as the rink is some nifty synthetic ice designed to replicate the experience of skating on ice. Skating will cost you an additional $10 per person, if you pay onsite, or $8 if you buy a ticket in advance online. We opted to skip the ice skating because there was so much other stuff to do.
Live animals feature in the manger display. Credit: JiaYing Grygiel
We attended Holiday Magic on opening night last year, and were surprised it wasn’t at all packed. There was hardly any wait for the rides. But the word is out now. We suggest buying your tickets early and packing a little bit of patience.
Most attractions are under cover but you’ll be outside plenty as well. Dress to be outside in Pacific Northwest winter weather.
Credit: JiaYing Grygiel
Out of the park
With this event, we thought the Fair really hit it out of the park. We appreciated that the staff members were so kind to the kids.
We fought through Friday rush hour traffic to get to the fairgrounds, and by the time everyone was ready to go home, we’d blown through dinnertime and bedtime. Dinner wound up being warm Fisher scones with jam, which hit at least two food groups, right?
The kids went home clutching their stockings with happy, sticky faces. Completely worth it.
If you go.
Where: Holiday Magic 2022 takes place at the Washington State Fair Events Center — also known as the Puyallup fairgrounds — at 110 9th Avenue S.W. in Puyallup. Puyallup is about a 45-minute drive from either Seattle or Bellevue, and about 20 minutes from Tacoma.
When: Holiday Magic dates for 2022 are: Dec. 1–4, 8–11, 15–18 and 20–23, 4:30–9:30 p.m. (last entry at 8:30 p.m.)
Tickets: Book your date-specific tickets online for the best prices: $22.50 for ages 13 and older; $17.50 for kids ages 6–12; $12.50 for kids ages 3–5; kids ages 2 and younger enter free. If you buy tickets at the gate, tickets range from $13–$25 (see the website for details).
Extras:
- Add on a skating session on the Fair’s synthetic rink (including skates) for $8 when booked online. Skating sessions last about 45 minutes. Skating costs $10 onsite.
- Add on snowflake 3D glasses for $3 when booked online.
Entrance and parking: The entrance to Holiday Magic is at the Green Gate, off Fairview Drive on the west side of the fairgrounds. Parking in the Green Lot is free.
Good to know:
- The event goes on rain or shine. While most attractions are covered or indoors, it’s a good idea to wear your rain jackets. It is December, after all.
- Concessions are available, including Fair favorites like Fisher scones.
More holiday fun in 2022:
- Ho-Ho-Holiday Fun for Families on a Budget
- Best Holiday Light Displays Around Seattle and Beyond
- Take a Spin! Seasonal and Permanent Ice Skating Rinks Around Town
Holiday Magic
Take a wonder-filled stroll through magical lights, festive displays and holiday joy. Celebrate this special time of year, with holiday activities - both indoors and outdoors.
This holiday magic can be seen and felt throughout the fair, from the moment you step foot on the fairgrounds. The fair features a wide range of holiday-themed activities and entertainment for people of all ages. There are Christmas carolers singing classic holiday tunes, holiday-themed contests and competitions, and even visits from Santa Claus himself.
Event Location
Washington State Fair Events Center
110 9th Ave SW Puyallup, WA 98371 Venue websiteThe fairgrounds are also home to a large ice skating rink, where visitors can lace up their skates and enjoy some wintertime fun. One of the highlights of the Puyallup Fair's holiday magic is the nightly light display. As the sun sets, the fairgrounds come alive with a stunning display of lights. From colorful Christmas trees to light-up reindeer, the entire fairgrounds are aglow with holiday cheer. Visitors can stroll through the fairgrounds and take in the beautiful sights, making for a truly magical experience. In addition to the holiday magic, the Puyallup Fair offers all of the traditional fair attractions that visitors love. There are thrilling rides, delicious food vendors, live music performances, and a wide variety of exhibits and displays. From the grandstand shows to the agricultural exhibits, there is truly something for everyone at the fair. Overall, the Puyallup Fair's holiday magic is a truly enchanting experience. From the twinkling lights to the festive atmosphere, the fairgrounds come alive with the spirit of the holiday season. Whether you're young or old, visiting the fair is sure to fill you with holiday cheer and create memories that will last a lifetime..
Reviews for "Puyallup Fair's Holiday Magic: A Delight for the Senses"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Puyallup fair holiday magic. The attractions were underwhelming and there wasn't much to see or do. The holiday lights were mediocre at best, and the overall atmosphere was dull. I expected more entertainment and excitement from a fair that promotes holiday magic. Nothing stood out and I left feeling like I wasted my time and money.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star - I regret going to the Puyallup fair holiday magic. The event was poorly organized and overcrowded. There were long lines for everything, from buying tickets to going on rides. The staff seemed overwhelmed and couldn't handle the amount of people attending. The holiday decorations were repetitive and lacked creativity. I wouldn't recommend this event to anyone looking for a magical holiday experience.
3. Mike Johnson - 3 stars - The Puyallup fair holiday magic was just average in my opinion. While the decorations were nice and there were some festive activities, it didn't live up to the hype. The admission fee was expensive for what was offered, and the food options were limited. It felt like a regular fair with a holiday theme rather than a special holiday event. It was okay for a casual outing, but I expected more magic and excitement.